This wasn’t feeding any more—this was a prelude to sex. Sex, love, and feeling like she hadn’t since her fiancée was killed. The shock of the realization poured over her like cold water.

No. That couldn’t happen again. She was never going to let herself feel that way again. Alexis pulled away from Katie’s neck sharply, making Katie gasp, and like a coward, she ran.

“Alexis? You all right, mate?”

Slaine pulled Alexis back from her memories. She rubbed her face and said, “Yes. Give me some Debrek Special Reserve, will you?”

“Will do,” Slaine said.

Alexis needed blood to calm herself. The memory of Katie never dulled in her imagination.

Slaine served her the glass of warmed blood, and she brought it to her lips. Katie’s dance with the shapeshifter in female human form came to an end, and she saw the woman whisper something in Katie’s ear that made her laugh.

Then Katie somehow sensed she was looking and returned her gaze. Alexis took a sip of the blood from the glass and whispered to herself, “No one will ever taste like you.”

“Slaine? Your finest malt whisky. Great wedding, eh?” Bhal said, joining her at the bar.

“Hmm.” Alexis nodded.

Bhaltair was leader of a group of warriors, bound by honour to serve the Debrek clan, and had been a mentor of sorts for Byron.

Slaine gave Bhal her whisky. Bhal said, “You don’t seem too enthusiastic, Duca.”

“I have reservations about a big celebration. Byron has taken her eye off the ball now that she is bonded. There is a war brewing between the witches and the vampires. After Victorija’s last defeat, the Dreds are in a weakened state, but they are angry and eager to strike back.”

“That may be so, Alexis, but Byron and the Principessa couldn’t be safer here. We will deal with what we have to deal with tomorrow, for tonight we celebrate,” Bhal said.

“There’s nothing more dangerous than a wounded animal. My vampires on the ground in Europe tell me there are newly turned vampires flocking to the Dred banner, as well as some smaller European vampire clans.”

Bhal patted her on the shoulder. “I know it’s the job of the Duca to anticipate problems, but don’t let life pass you by.”

“Life? What life?” Alexis asked.

Bhal indicated over towards Byron. “Your friends, the people who care about you. Byron needs you as a friend, not just as her lieutenant.”

Alexis snorted and took a quick drink. “Byron doesn’t need me any more. She has the Principessa.”

“Of course she needs you. More than ever now that she has a family to protect. You know what would happen if Byron lost Amelia? She would make Victorija and her father look like pussycats. It’s our duty to keep them both safe and protected—for all our sakes. That’s why she needs you.”

“Maybe.” Alexis wasn’t entirely convinced.

“Besides, I think you have someone else to take up your attention.”

“What are you talking about?” Alexis knew exactly what she was meaning.